Commission grants demolition approval for deteriorated garage at 750 Bedford Avenue; application continued to Jan. 2

The Historic Resources Commission voted to approve demolition of a deteriorated garage at 750 Bedford Avenue, contingent on the applicant providing staff with photographs and a sketch of the structure, and continued the remainder of the COA application to the commission’s Jan. 2, 2025 meeting for additional documentation.

Staff told commissioners the garage had an unsafe‑building notice and later collapsed during a storm. Staff recommended approval of the demolition based on the documented poor condition and collapse; the recommendation referenced city code standards for demolition and related alteration guidelines. The commission emphasized the need for photographs and a dimensional sketch to document the demolition and the remaining site conditions before issuing any further approvals.

The property owner, who said she acquired the house in poor condition and described emergency repairs made for safety and accessibility, provided photos and answered commissioners’ questions about the porch columns, removed elements and other alterations. Commissioners advised the applicant to submit additional interior and exterior photographs and sketches of the demolished garage, to specify paint and light fixture changes, and to provide a checklist of outstanding items before the continued hearing.

A motion to approve demolition of the garage carried; the commission also voted to continue application COA2400527 for 750 Bedford Avenue to the Jan. 2, 2025 meeting to allow the applicant time to supply requested documentation and proposed revisions. Staff will review submitted photos and sketches and confirm scope of remaining proposed work before the continued hearing.